Kept there for nearly an hour, they spent their time making calls on cell phones and sending e-mails. Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield, used his cell phone to track weather developments via the Internet.

As the sirens went off about 6 p.m., Gov. Rod Blagojevich was briefly spotted in his office reception area before returning to his private office. His press staff said later that the governor left the Capitol.

Blagojevich joked about staying in his office during the tornado warning saying, “Well, with all those lawmakers downstairs, I was a lot safer up here.”

The governor was actually in a safe area when the tornado warning occurred, said his spokeswoman, Rebecca Rausch.

The House returned to the floor of the chamber about 7:10 p.m., shortly after lawmakers emerged from the tunnels beneath the Capitol.

Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, announced that he was glad everyone was safe.

“But if we are to use the tunnels in the future for an evacuation because of severe weather, I would urge those responsible to study what went on tonight. It was extremely hot down there ... There was no water, there was no ventilation,” he said.

“I appreciate the fact that we were safe, but I was concerned about some people being overheated. No water. No automatic external defibrillators. No nurse. No medical attention if it’d come to that, and quite frankly, I’m not even sure who was in charge,” Black added. “I think we can prepare a little better than what we were today.”

“Your point is well taken,” responded Rep. Art Turner, D-Chicago, who was serving as the House presiding officer.

The House adjourned for the night about 7:30 as Turner cautioned members: “Think wisely about whether you leave the building now or wait till the (next) storm passes.”